Let’s be real: discovering a fantastic film on Netflix feels like attempting to triumph over a boss battle you never prepared for. You’re up against a tidal wave of possibilities, unable to move because you’re afraid that better is just one scroll away. What if someone else did the work for you? No guesswork, no algorithm—just expertly curated excellence. That’s what this list is: a thoughtful selection of 15 great movies, chosen for their excellence, cultural significance, and all-around entertainment. Here’s your one-stop guide to what to watch next on Netflix—no scrolling involved.
15. The Wild Robot
Animated films aren’t only for children—and The Wild Robot shows it. This superbly made film tells the story of Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a domestic robot who is left stranded on a lonely island and raises a gosling called Brightbill (Kit Connor). Based on Peter Brown’s bestseller of the same name, it’s a soft, heartwarming film about motherhood, the natural world, and discovering where you fit in the world. It’ll creep up on you—and leave you a bit tearful.
14. Wendell & Wild
Henry Selick, creator of Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, returns with a gothic stop-motion fantasy unlike any other. Co-written with Jordan Peele (also providing his voice), Wendell & Wild is a bizarre, unsettling adventure that plunges into loss, shame, and inner demons—literal and figurative. It’s strange in all the best ways, full of style, and emotionally anchored. Halloween atmosphere? Check. But deserving of viewing throughout the year.
13. The LEGO Movie
You might consider it a toy ad—but it’s a wildly creative, self-referential, and unexpectedly emotional movie. Chris Pratt stars as Emmet, a regular LEGO dude swept up in a grand adventure. With witty script, quick-firing humor, and a strong message about being yourself, The LEGO Movie set the standard for intelligent, pop-literate children’s films like Barbie. It’s a must-see for both children and adults.
12. Kubo and the Two Strings
This stop-motion masterpiece from Laika Studios is a feast for the eyes. Kubo tracks a young boy and his enchanted shamisen as he fights evil spirits and learns about his family history. It’s an emotional tale of love, loss, and memory—all supported by breathtaking animation and a poignant score. Underappreciated when released, it’s now receiving the credit it’s due on Netflix.
11. Klaus
Throw everything you think you know about holiday films out the window. Klaus is a stunningly animated Santa Claus origin story that’s full of heart, humor, and charm. A self-absorbed postman gets paired with a secretive toymaker, and what results is a contemporary Christmas classic that feels ageless. Whether it is December or not, this one has good vibes on tap.
10. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
This isn’t Disney’s Pinocchio—and that’s a good thing. Guillermo del Toro reimagines the classic tale through a darker, more emotional lens. Set in fascist Italy, this stop-motion version tackles big themes like mortality, obedience, and identity with gorgeous visuals and a stunning cast. It’s haunting, human, and pure del Toro magic.
9. Psycho
Hitchcock’s Psycho still feels radical, even more than six decades later. From its shocking plot turns to its haunting score, the film redefined suspense and horror. And if your only reference is the infamous shower scene, trust us—there’s so much more to this psychological puzzle. Watching it now, you’ll see how it influenced everything that came after.
8. Barbarian
What begins as an Airbnb reservation that’s gone awry becomes one of the most insane horror films in recent history. Barbarian will keep you on your toes—and in suspense—with each turn. Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgård star in a film that combines social commentary with genuine scares. It’s one of those horror films; it’s best to watch with no spoilers.
7. Wayne’s World
Roll out the flannel and play the Queen—Wayne’s World remains a party. Mike Myers and Dana Carvey bring their SNL personas to life in this wonderfully silly and surprisingly sentimental comedy. With a never-ending supply of quotable lines and a dynamite soundtrack, it’s a ride for the good vibes that holds up gorgeously.
6. Midnight Run
An ’80s buddy comedy that could use a whole lot more love. Midnight Run teams Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin together for a side-splitting cross-country manhunt with a heart of gold. The chemistry is electric, the pace never lags, and the movie strikes a perfect balance between action and comedy with effortless charm.
5. The Breakfast Club
Five teenagers from completely disparate lives cross paths in detention—and at the end of the day, everything’s changed. John Hughes’ original coming-of-age tale is as timely now as it was back in the ’80s. Hilarious, unapologetic, and authentic, it’s a must-watch for anyone who’s ever been misunderstood.
4. The Blues Brothers
A wild musical ride that improves with age. Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi undertake a “mission from God” to rescue an orphanage—and reduce half of Chicago to rubble in the process. The magic trick? Cameos by legends like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, along with music sequences that crackle with electricity.
3. Anchorman
Will Ferrell’s performance as dim-witted newsreader Ron Burgundy is comedy lore. Packed with a talented cast that includes Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, and Steve Carell, Anchorman is perpetually quotable and ridiculous in the best way possible. “Stay classy” has never been so apt.
2. The Town
Ben Affleck shows off both his directing and acting skills in this gritty Boston crime epic. The Town is a heist film with heart, full of tension, crisp dialogue, and memorable turns by Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm. It’s not just a shoot-’em-up—it’s a character-driven drama with substance.
1. Red Eye (Critic’s Pick)
This underappreciated thriller delivers in less than 90 minutes. Directed by horror great Wes Craven, Red Eye features Rachel McAdams as a hotel manager stuck on a red-eye flight with a nice but evil stranger (Cillian Murphy). What transpires is a tightly coiled game of survival that never dissipates energy. It’s lean, mean, and infinitely rewatchable.
This isn’t a list of bestsellers—it’s a personally curated selection of must-see films, spanning animation and comedy to horror and classic movies. Handpicked by esteemed critic Brian Tallerico, each choice brings something unique to the table—be it emotional resonance, cultural significance, or simply good old-fashioned fun. So the next time you’re stuck in Netflix purgatory, let this list guide you toward your next great film.